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Mondru AK, Wilkinson B, Aljasir MA, Alrumayh A, Greaves G, Emmett M, Albohairi S, Pritchard-Jones R, Cross MJ. The ERK5 pathway in BRAFV600E melanoma cells plays a role in development of acquired resistance to dabrafenib but not vemurafenib. FEBS Lett 2024. [PMID: 38977937 DOI: 10.1002/1873-3468.14960] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/23/2024] [Revised: 04/28/2024] [Accepted: 05/14/2024] [Indexed: 07/10/2024]
Abstract
Malignant melanoma, an aggressive skin cancer with a poor prognosis, frequently features BRAFV600E mutation resulting in activation of the MAPK pathway and melanocyte proliferation and survival. BRAFV600E inhibitors like vemurafenib and dabrafenib have enhanced patient survival, yet drug resistance remains a significant challenge. We investigated the role of the ERK5 pathway in BRAFV600E melanoma cells and cells with acquired resistance to PLX4720 (vemurafenib) and dabrafenib. In BRAFV600E melanoma, ERK5 inhibition minimally affected viability compared to ERK1/2 inhibition. In vemurafenib-resistant cells, ERK5 inhibition alone didn't impact viability or restore drug sensitivity to vemurafenib. However, in dabrafenib-resistant cells, ERK5 inhibition reduced viability and enhanced the anti-proliferative effect of MEK1/2 inhibition. Targeting the ERK5 pathway may represent a therapeutic opportunity in dabrafenib-resistant melanoma.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anil Kumar Mondru
- Department of Pharmacology and Therapeutics, Institute of Systems, Molecular and Integrative Biology, University of Liverpool, UK
| | - Beth Wilkinson
- Department of Pharmacology and Therapeutics, Institute of Systems, Molecular and Integrative Biology, University of Liverpool, UK
| | - Mohammad A Aljasir
- Department of Pharmacology and Therapeutics, Institute of Systems, Molecular and Integrative Biology, University of Liverpool, UK
| | - Ahmed Alrumayh
- Department of Pharmacology and Therapeutics, Institute of Systems, Molecular and Integrative Biology, University of Liverpool, UK
| | - Georgia Greaves
- Department of Pharmacology and Therapeutics, Institute of Systems, Molecular and Integrative Biology, University of Liverpool, UK
| | - Maxine Emmett
- Department of Pharmacology and Therapeutics, Institute of Systems, Molecular and Integrative Biology, University of Liverpool, UK
| | - Saad Albohairi
- Department of Pharmacology and Therapeutics, Institute of Systems, Molecular and Integrative Biology, University of Liverpool, UK
| | - Rowan Pritchard-Jones
- Department of Molecular and Clinical Cancer Medicine, Institute of Systems, Molecular and Integrative Biology, University of Liverpool, UK
| | - Michael J Cross
- Department of Pharmacology and Therapeutics, Institute of Systems, Molecular and Integrative Biology, University of Liverpool, UK
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2
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Sobierajski T, Małolepsza J, Pichlak M, Gendaszewska-Darmach E, Błażewska KM. The impact of E3 ligase choice on PROTAC effectiveness in protein kinase degradation. Drug Discov Today 2024; 29:104032. [PMID: 38789027 DOI: 10.1016/j.drudis.2024.104032] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/02/2024] [Revised: 04/30/2024] [Accepted: 05/15/2024] [Indexed: 05/26/2024]
Abstract
Proteolysis targeting chimera (PROTACs) provide a novel therapeutic approach that is revolutionizing drug discovery. The success of PROTACs largely depends on the combination of their three fragments: E3 ligase ligand, linker and protein of interest (POI)-targeting ligand. We summarize the pivotal significance of the precise combination of the E3 ligase ligand with the POI-recruiting warhead, which is crucial for the successful execution of cellular processes and achieving the desired outcomes. Therefore, the key to our selection was the use of at least two ligands recruiting two different ligases. This approach enables a direct comparison of the impacts of the specific ligases on target degradation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tomasz Sobierajski
- Institute of Organic Chemistry, Lodz University of Technology, Łódź, Poland
| | - Joanna Małolepsza
- Institute of Organic Chemistry, Lodz University of Technology, Łódź, Poland
| | - Marta Pichlak
- Institute of Molecular and Industrial Biotechnology, Lodz University of Technology, Łódź, Poland
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3
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Pan P, Geng T, Li Z, Ding X, Shi M, Li Y, Wang Y, Shi Y, Wu J, Zhong L, Ji D, Li Z, Meng X. Design, Synthesis, and Biological Evaluation of Proteolysis-Targeting Chimeras as Highly Selective and Efficient Degraders of Extracellular Signal-Regulated Kinase 5. J Med Chem 2023; 66:13568-13586. [PMID: 37751283 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jmedchem.3c00864] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 09/27/2023]
Abstract
Extracellular signal-regulated kinase 5 (ERK5) is recognized as a key member of the mitogen-activated protein kinase family and is involved in tumor growth, migration, and angiogenesis. However, the results of ERK5 inhibition in multiple studies are controversial, and a highly specific ERK5-targeting agent is required to confirm physiological functions. Using proteolysis-targeting chimera technology, we designed the selective ERK5 degrader PPM-3 and examined its biological effect on cancer cells. Interestingly, the selective degradation of ERK5 with PPM-3 did not influence tumor cell growth directly. Based on proteomics analysis, the ERK5 deletion may be associated with tumor immunity. PPM-3 influences tumor development by affecting the differentiation of macrophages. Therefore, PPM-3 is an effective small-molecule tool for studying ERK5 and a promising immunotherapy drug candidate.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pengming Pan
- State Key Laboratory of Natural and Biomimetic Drugs, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Peking University, Beijing 100191, China
| | - Tongtong Geng
- State Key Laboratory of Natural and Biomimetic Drugs, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Peking University, Beijing 100191, China
| | - Zhongtang Li
- State Key Laboratory of Natural and Biomimetic Drugs, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Peking University, Beijing 100191, China
| | - Xuyang Ding
- State Key Laboratory of Natural and Biomimetic Drugs, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Peking University, Beijing 100191, China
| | - Mengyuan Shi
- Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Translational Research (Ministry of Education), Department of Gastrointestinal Surgery III, Peking University Cancer Hospital & Institute, Beijing 100142, China
| | - Yang Li
- China International Science and Technology Cooperation Base of Food Nutrition/Safety and Medicinal Chemistry, College of Biotechnology, Tianjin University of Science and Technology, Tianjin 300457, China
| | - Yashuai Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Natural and Biomimetic Drugs, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Peking University, Beijing 100191, China
| | - Yuanyuan Shi
- State Key Laboratory of Natural and Biomimetic Drugs, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Peking University, Beijing 100191, China
| | - Jiaojiao Wu
- State Key Laboratory of Natural and Biomimetic Drugs, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Peking University, Beijing 100191, China
| | - Liang Zhong
- State Key Laboratory of Natural and Biomimetic Drugs, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Peking University, Beijing 100191, China
| | - Dengbo Ji
- Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Translational Research (Ministry of Education), Department of Gastrointestinal Surgery III, Peking University Cancer Hospital & Institute, Beijing 100142, China
| | - Zhongjun Li
- State Key Laboratory of Natural and Biomimetic Drugs, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Peking University, Beijing 100191, China
| | - Xiangbao Meng
- State Key Laboratory of Natural and Biomimetic Drugs, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Peking University, Beijing 100191, China
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4
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Le NT. The significance of ERK5 catalytic-independent functions in disease pathways. Front Cell Dev Biol 2023; 11:1235217. [PMID: 37601096 PMCID: PMC10436230 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2023.1235217] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/06/2023] [Accepted: 07/26/2023] [Indexed: 08/22/2023] Open
Abstract
Extracellular signal-regulated kinase 5 (ERK5), also known as BMK1 or MAPK7, represents a recent addition to the classical mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) family. This family includes well-known members such as ERK1/2, c-Jun N-terminal kinase (JNK), and p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase (p38 MAPK), as well as atypical MAPKs such as ERK3, ERK4, ERK7 (ERK8), and Nemo-like kinase (NLK). Comprehensive reviews available elsewhere provide detailed insights into ERK5, which interested readers can refer to for in-depth knowledge (Nithianandarajah-Jones et al., 2012; Monti et al., Cancers (Basel), 2022, 14). The primary aim of this review is to emphasize the essential characteristics of ERK5 and shed light on the intricate nature of its activation, with particular attention to the catalytic-independent functions in disease pathways.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nhat-Tu Le
- Center for Cardiovascular Regeneration, Department of Cardiovascular Sciences, Houston Methodist Research Institute, Houston, TX, United States
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Sánchez-Fdez A, Matilla-Almazán S, Del Carmen S, Abad M, Arconada-Luque E, Jiménez-Suárez J, Chinchilla-Tábora LM, Ruíz-Hidalgo MJ, Sánchez-Prieto R, Pandiella A, Esparís-Ogando A. Etiopathogenic role of ERK5 signaling in sarcoma: prognostic and therapeutic implications. Exp Mol Med 2023; 55:1247-1257. [PMID: 37332046 PMCID: PMC10317974 DOI: 10.1038/s12276-023-01008-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/09/2022] [Revised: 02/28/2023] [Accepted: 03/07/2023] [Indexed: 06/20/2023] Open
Abstract
Sarcomas constitute a heterogeneous group of rare and difficult-to-treat tumors that can affect people of all ages, representing one of the most common forms of cancer in childhood and adolescence. Little is known about the molecular entities involved in sarcomagenesis. Therefore, the identification of processes that lead to the development of the disease may uncover novel therapeutic opportunities. Here, we show that the MEK5/ERK5 signaling pathway plays a critical role in the pathogenesis of sarcomas. By developing a mouse model engineered to express a constitutively active form of MEK5, we demonstrate that the exclusive activation of the MEK5/ERK5 pathway can promote sarcomagenesis. Histopathological analyses identified these tumors as undifferentiated pleomorphic sarcomas. Bioinformatic studies revealed that sarcomas are the tumors in which ERK5 is most frequently amplified and overexpressed. Moreover, analysis of the impact of ERK5 protein expression on overall survival in patients diagnosed with different sarcoma types in our local hospital showed a 5-fold decrease in median survival in patients with elevated ERK5 expression compared with those with low expression. Pharmacological and genetic studies revealed that targeting the MEK5/ERK5 pathway drastically affects the proliferation of human sarcoma cells and tumor growth. Interestingly, sarcoma cells with knockout of ERK5 or MEK5 were unable to form tumors when engrafted into mice. Taken together, our results reveal a role of the MEK5/ERK5 pathway in sarcomagenesis and open a new scenario to be considered in the treatment of patients with sarcoma in which the ERK5 pathway is pathophysiologically involved.
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Affiliation(s)
- Adrián Sánchez-Fdez
- Instituto de Investigación Biomédica de Salamanca (IBSAL), Salamanca, Spain
- Instituto de Biología Molecular y Celular del Cáncer (IBMCC)-CSIC, Salamanca, Spain
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Cáncer (CIBERONC), CSIC-Universidad de Salamanca, Salamanca, Spain
- Moores Cancer Center, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA, USA
| | - Sofía Matilla-Almazán
- Instituto de Investigación Biomédica de Salamanca (IBSAL), Salamanca, Spain
- Instituto de Biología Molecular y Celular del Cáncer (IBMCC)-CSIC, Salamanca, Spain
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Cáncer (CIBERONC), CSIC-Universidad de Salamanca, Salamanca, Spain
| | - Sofía Del Carmen
- Instituto de Investigación Biomédica de Salamanca (IBSAL), Salamanca, Spain
- Departmento de Patología, Hospital Universitario de Salamanca, Universidad de Salamanca, Salamanca, Spain
| | - Mar Abad
- Instituto de Investigación Biomédica de Salamanca (IBSAL), Salamanca, Spain
- Departmento de Patología, Hospital Universitario de Salamanca, Universidad de Salamanca, Salamanca, Spain
| | - Elena Arconada-Luque
- Universidad de Castilla-La Mancha, Laboratorio de Oncología Molecular, Unidad de Medicina Molecular, Centro Regional de Investigaciones Biomédicas, Unidad Asociada de Biomedicina UCLM, Unidad asociada al CSIC, Albacete, Spain
| | - Jaime Jiménez-Suárez
- Universidad de Castilla-La Mancha, Laboratorio de Oncología Molecular, Unidad de Medicina Molecular, Centro Regional de Investigaciones Biomédicas, Unidad Asociada de Biomedicina UCLM, Unidad asociada al CSIC, Albacete, Spain
| | - Luis Miguel Chinchilla-Tábora
- Instituto de Investigación Biomédica de Salamanca (IBSAL), Salamanca, Spain
- Departmento de Patología, Hospital Universitario de Salamanca, Universidad de Salamanca, Salamanca, Spain
| | - Mª José Ruíz-Hidalgo
- Universidad de Castilla-La Mancha, Laboratorio de Oncología Molecular, Unidad de Medicina Molecular, Centro Regional de Investigaciones Biomédicas, Unidad Asociada de Biomedicina UCLM, Unidad asociada al CSIC, Albacete, Spain
- Universidad de Castilla-La Mancha, Departamento de Química Inorgánica, Orgánica y Bioquímica, Área de Bioquímica y Biología Molecular. Facultad de Medicina, Albacete, Spain
| | - Ricardo Sánchez-Prieto
- Universidad de Castilla-La Mancha, Laboratorio de Oncología Molecular, Unidad de Medicina Molecular, Centro Regional de Investigaciones Biomédicas, Unidad Asociada de Biomedicina UCLM, Unidad asociada al CSIC, Albacete, Spain
- Universidad de Castilla-La Mancha, Departamento de Ciencias Médicas, Facultad de Medicina, Albacete, Spain
- Departamento de Biología del Cáncer, Instituto de Investigaciones Biomédicas 'Alberto Sols' (CSIC-UAM), Unidad Asociada de Biomedicina UCLM, Unidad Asociada al CSIC, Madrid, Spain
- Instituto de Investigaciones Biomédicas 'Alberto Sols', Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas (IIBM-CSIC)-Universidad de Castilla-La Mancha (UCLM), Albacete, Spain
| | - Atanasio Pandiella
- Instituto de Investigación Biomédica de Salamanca (IBSAL), Salamanca, Spain
- Instituto de Biología Molecular y Celular del Cáncer (IBMCC)-CSIC, Salamanca, Spain
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Cáncer (CIBERONC), CSIC-Universidad de Salamanca, Salamanca, Spain
| | - Azucena Esparís-Ogando
- Instituto de Investigación Biomédica de Salamanca (IBSAL), Salamanca, Spain.
- Instituto de Biología Molecular y Celular del Cáncer (IBMCC)-CSIC, Salamanca, Spain.
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Cáncer (CIBERONC), CSIC-Universidad de Salamanca, Salamanca, Spain.
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6
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Tusa I, Menconi A, Tubita A, Rovida E. Pathophysiological Impact of the MEK5/ERK5 Pathway in Oxidative Stress. Cells 2023; 12:cells12081154. [PMID: 37190064 DOI: 10.3390/cells12081154] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/11/2023] [Revised: 03/22/2023] [Accepted: 04/06/2023] [Indexed: 05/17/2023] Open
Abstract
Oxidative stress regulates many physiological and pathological processes. Indeed, a low increase in the basal level of reactive oxygen species (ROS) is essential for various cellular functions, including signal transduction, gene expression, cell survival or death, as well as antioxidant capacity. However, if the amount of generated ROS overcomes the antioxidant capacity, excessive ROS results in cellular dysfunctions as a consequence of damage to cellular components, including DNA, lipids and proteins, and may eventually lead to cell death or carcinogenesis. Both in vitro and in vivo investigations have shown that activation of the mitogen-activated protein kinase kinase 5/extracellular signal-regulated kinase 5 (MEK5/ERK5) pathway is frequently involved in oxidative stress-elicited effects. In particular, accumulating evidence identified a prominent role of this pathway in the anti-oxidative response. In this respect, activation of krüppel-like factor 2/4 and nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 emerged among the most frequent events in ERK5-mediated response to oxidative stress. This review summarizes what is known about the role of the MEK5/ERK5 pathway in the response to oxidative stress in pathophysiological contexts within the cardiovascular, respiratory, lymphohematopoietic, urinary and central nervous systems. The possible beneficial or detrimental effects exerted by the MEK5/ERK5 pathway in the above systems are also discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ignazia Tusa
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Biomedical Sciences "Mario Serio", University of Florence, 50134 Florence, Italy
| | - Alessio Menconi
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Biomedical Sciences "Mario Serio", University of Florence, 50134 Florence, Italy
| | - Alessandro Tubita
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Biomedical Sciences "Mario Serio", University of Florence, 50134 Florence, Italy
| | - Elisabetta Rovida
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Biomedical Sciences "Mario Serio", University of Florence, 50134 Florence, Italy
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7
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Miller D, Harnor SJ, Martin MP, Noble RA, Wedge SR, Cano C. Modulation of ERK5 Activity as a Therapeutic Anti-Cancer Strategy. J Med Chem 2023; 66:4491-4502. [PMID: 37002872 PMCID: PMC10108346 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jmedchem.3c00072] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/13/2023] [Indexed: 04/03/2023]
Abstract
The extracellular signal-regulated kinase 5 (ERK5) signaling pathway is one of four conventional mitogen-activated protein (MAP) kinase pathways. Genetic perturbation of ERK5 has suggested that modulation of ERK5 activity may have therapeutic potential in cancer chemotherapy. This Miniperspective examines the evidence for ERK5 as a drug target in cancer, the structure of ERK5, and the evolution of structurally distinct chemotypes of ERK5 kinase domain inhibitors. The emerging complexities of ERK5 pharmacology are discussed, including the confounding phenomenon of paradoxical ERK5 activation by small-molecule ERK5 inhibitors. The impact of the recent development and biological evaluation of potent and selective bifunctional degraders of ERK5 and future opportunities in ERK modulation are also explored.
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Affiliation(s)
- Duncan
C. Miller
- Cancer
Research Horizons Therapeutic Innovation, Newcastle Drug Discovery
Group, Newcastle University Centre for Cancer, School of Natural and
Environmental Sciences, Newcastle University, Bedson Building, Newcastle upon Tyne NE1 7RU, United Kingdom
| | - Suzannah J. Harnor
- Cancer
Research Horizons Therapeutic Innovation, Newcastle Drug Discovery
Group, Newcastle University Centre for Cancer, School of Natural and
Environmental Sciences, Newcastle University, Bedson Building, Newcastle upon Tyne NE1 7RU, United Kingdom
| | - Mathew P. Martin
- Cancer
Research Horizons Therapeutic Innovation, Newcastle Drug Discovery
Group, Translational and Clinical Research
Institute, Paul O’Gorman Building, Medical School, Framlington Place, Newcastle upon Tyne NE2 4HH, United Kingdom
| | - Richard A. Noble
- Cancer
Research Horizons Therapeutic Innovation, Newcastle Drug Discovery
Group, Translational and Clinical Research
Institute, Paul O’Gorman Building, Medical School, Framlington Place, Newcastle upon Tyne NE2 4HH, United Kingdom
| | - Stephen R. Wedge
- Cancer
Research Horizons Therapeutic Innovation, Newcastle Drug Discovery
Group, Translational and Clinical Research
Institute, Paul O’Gorman Building, Medical School, Framlington Place, Newcastle upon Tyne NE2 4HH, United Kingdom
| | - Celine Cano
- Cancer
Research Horizons Therapeutic Innovation, Newcastle Drug Discovery
Group, Newcastle University Centre for Cancer, School of Natural and
Environmental Sciences, Newcastle University, Bedson Building, Newcastle upon Tyne NE1 7RU, United Kingdom
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8
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How to kill an ERKsome target: PROTACs deliver the deathblow. Cell Chem Biol 2022; 29:1569-1571. [PMID: 36400000 DOI: 10.1016/j.chembiol.2022.11.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
Abstract
In this issue of Cell Chemical Biology, You et al. demonstrate that selective degradation of ERK5 exhibits neither anti-proliferative nor anti-inflammatory activities previously attributed to ERK5 inactivation. This settles a longstanding debate in the field and highlights the power of PROTACs to investigate non-enzymatic activities of target proteins.
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